From Food52
Remember that potato chip commercial that goes: "Betcha can't eat just one?" Well, that's kind of how we felt, eating these squash wedges right out of the bowl. With our fingers. In a 500-degree oven, the squash develops gorgeous bronzed edges and an almost candied interior. A hint of cayenne brings a subtle kick. The pesto, almost impossibly fragrant, is rich and subtle at the same time. It's garlicky without being overpowering, the toasted hazelnuts give it richness and depth, and the ricotta salata lends the otherwise earthy pesto a fresh salinity. We dare you to eat just one wedge.
Wine Pairing
The crisp, mineral-driven flavor of our 2013 Grenache Blanc prepares the palate for the next salty, scrumptious bite.
Serves 4
Sage, Hazelnut, Ricotta Salata Pesto
- 1/4 cup sage, chopped
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup 2 tablespoons ricotta salata, crumbled or chopped until a medium fine crumble
- Salt
Butternut Squash
- 2 butternut squashes [about 3.5 lbs total when unpeeled]
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoons cayenne, depending on taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 500 and place a rack in the lowest slot in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Peel the butternut squash, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Cut each squash half in half widthwise, right where the slender part curves out to the bulge. Cut each quarter into about 1 inch wedges (see picture) and place in a bowl.
- Toss squash with olive oil, sugar, salt, and cayenne. Place in a single layer on baking sheet.
- Roast for 10 to 15 minutes until caramelized. Remove from oven and flip over. Bake another 10 to 15 minutes until caramelized on the other side and cooked through. The pieces on the edges of the baking sheet will caramelize first so you want to move around during the baking time.
- While the squash is roasting, make the pesto: Warm 3 tablespoons olive oil, sage, and garlic in a small pan over very low heat just until the oil bubbles. Pour in a small bowl, reserving the garlic clove. Place the toasted hazelnuts in mini food processor along with the garlic clove and process until a fine crumble and add to the bowl (alternatively, you can do by hand or in a mortar and pestle). Add the cheese to the bowl along with 1 to 2 tablespoons more olive oil and stir until combined and salt to taste. This is not a traditional pesto -- more nutty than herby and not so much oil.
- Once the squash is roasted, place in a large bowl and toss with pesto to taste. Dig in.